Is there that one guy that you can't get off your mind? Do you spend hours thinking about him? The number one question you're probably thinking is "Does he like me back?" If you pay attention to how he acts around you, you may be able to figure out whether he's interested in you. Then, it's up to you to act!

Steps

Method1

Reading His Body Language

1

Know how physical attraction works. Your brain chemistry is responsible for who and what you’re attracted to. In fact, according to experts, physical attraction works a lot like addiction: both stimulate brain chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin.[1] Even if he’s not into you, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you: it’s all down to the chemicals.

Research suggests that our brains can tell within one second whether we’re physically attracted to someone or not.[2]

2

Understand the messages behind body language. When people are physically attracted to someone, they often show it through body language. Most body language connected to attraction communicates two basic messages: “I’m available” and “I’m into you.”

“Available” body language cues are actions such as smiling, eye contact, and arms and legs that are relaxed and uncrossed.[3]

“Fertility” cues (the ones that signal that the person is a potential mate) for guys include actions such as standing straight, calling attention to the hands, and squaring the shoulders.[4]

If he leans in while he’s talking or listening to you, or tilts his head towards you, it’s a good bet that he’s into you.[5]

Good news: women tend to be better at reading body language than men.[6]

3

Check out his body positioning. See how he holds himself when he’s around you. Men tend to physically take up more space when they want to display themselves as powerful and attractive, so if he’s sitting with his legs spread apart or standing with his shoulders squared, it may be a sign that he subconsciously wants to impress you.

If his legs and feet are pointed towards you, it may also be a sign that he’s interested in you.[7]

4

Watch how he interacts with his friends. Men who are interested in a woman also tend to physically interact more with other guys. If your crush and his buddies are hanging out with you and he playfully bumps, shoves, or elbows his friends a lot (especially if they don’t do the same), he may be trying to signal that he’s the dominant guy in the pack and wants you to check him out.[8]

5

Observe his physical responses to being around you. When people find someone attractive, their bodies undergo some automatic responses that display that attraction. Knowing what to look for can help clue you in to how he really feels about you.

Flushed cheeks suggest arousal. (This is the reason some women choose to wear blush; it mimics the natural flushing of sexual excitement.) Some people also blush when they’re feeling awkward or uncomfortable, though, so don’t rely exclusively on reddened cheeks to tell you whether he likes you.[9]

Lips also tend to get redder and more plump if someone is aroused. If he licks his lips when he’s around you, he might be subconsciously signaling you that he’s up for a kiss.[10]

6

Look at his eyes. Our pupils tend to dilate when we’re physically excited, so if his pupils are bigger than usual, it might be an unconscious signal that he likes you. Winking is another cue that is often associated with attraction.[11]

7

Watch his smile. Smiling can mean that he enjoys being around you. However, pay attention to which muscles move when he smiles. If only the muscles around the mouth move, the smile probably isn’t genuine, and it could signal that he’s trying to hide discomfort or awkwardness.[12]

There’s a reason why Tyra Banks is always telling her protegees to “smile with your eyes.” Smiles that appear genuine will involve muscles around the eyes as well as around the mouth.

8

Keep an eye out for touching. People who are really attracted to someone will try to incorporate physical contact into their interactions. If he casually brushes your arm while he’s talking to you or goes in for a hug without invitation, he may be interested in you.

Understand that some people are just naturally more into touching than others. Some touching, such as a handshake or a shoulder push, may just be “friendly” territory. Other types of touching, such as on the forearm, around the shoulder, near the waist, or on the face, are more likely to be connected to attraction.[13]

Method2

Interpreting What He Says

1

Listen to whether he looks for common ground with you. Does he try to find common interests with you? For example, he may ask questions about what music you like or what TV you watch, or he might make comments like “Oh, I love pineapple pizza too!” when you’re chatting. If so, he may be trying to express that he’s interested in you.[14]

2

See if he asks questions about you. Does he ask what you’re interested in? Has he asked you if you have a boyfriend? He may also ask your friends questions about you, so checking in with them may help you decide whether he’s into you.

3

Pay attention to how he responds to your cues. For example, if you say something about how another guy (not him) is hot or good-looking and he speaks up, he may be showing you that he’s a little jealous.

4

Notice whether he does favors for you. If he offers you a ride home or brings you coffee or a snack without you asking, he may be expressing his interest in you.

Pay attention, though: if he also offers favors to everyone else, he may just be a friendly guy.

Method3

Making Your Move

1

Be confident. Research shows that both men and women who are confident -- meaning they know who they are and are comfortable with themselves -- are usually considered more attractive by others.[15] Be yourself around your crush and try to remember that if he does like you, he likes you for who you are. (Or at least he should!)

2

Signal your interest with body language. Just like guys do, you can signal that you’re interested in your crush with your body language. Touching your face or hair, touching or drawing attention to your neck, and maintaining eye contact with him when you chat all tell him that you’re interested.[16]

3

Practice what to say at home. If you really want to tell him you like him, it may help to practice a couple of versions of what you want to say at home. That way, you can iron out any kinks and get over your nervousness.

4

Ask him out. It’s a natural fear to worry about rejection, but if you’ve paid attention to how he behaves around you and you’re confident he likes you, it may pay off to be direct with him. Research shows that men actually prefer what scientists call “direct gambits,” which are honest, open, and state your intention directly.[17]